Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
200–25K
3225–50K
1950–75K
1675–100K
10100–150K
7150K+
104 reports with mileage · 139 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
23 crash reports8 fire reports14 injury reports
What owners actually said
243 reports
47,000 miles · Oct 20, 2004
Service Brakes, Air
TWO DAYS AGO, MY ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT MY ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODUEL (EBCM) WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW ONE. GIVEN THAT MY CAR IS A 2001 CAVALIER WITH LESS THAN 47,000 MILES, THEY SAID THIS WAS VERY UNUSUAL. REPAIRS WILL BE OUTRAGEOUSELY EXPE…
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TWO DAYS AGO, MY ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT MY ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODUEL (EBCM) WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW ONE. GIVEN THAT MY CAR IS A 2001 CAVALIER WITH LESS THAN 47,000 MILES, THEY SAID THIS WAS VERY UNUSUAL. REPAIRS WILL BE OUTRAGEOUSELY EXPENSIVE.
NHTSA ODI #10096113
29,431 miles · Sep 29, 2004
Electrical System
ODOMETER LIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *BF ODOMETER NUMERALS FLICKERED ON AND OFF. THE ODOMETER OFTEN LOOKED LIKE IT WAS 29999 BECAUSE THE LAST NUMERALS WERE NOT WORKING PROPLERLY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE BUT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TC
NHTSA ODI #10095477
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2004
Electrical System
CONSUMER RECEIVED A NHTSA RECALL 04V036000 CONCERNING IGNITION FAILURE. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS. DEAL…
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CONSUMER RECEIVED A NHTSA RECALL 04V036000 CONCERNING IGNITION FAILURE. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL UNLESS $35.00 WAS PAID UP FRONT TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10094094
43,000 miles · Sep 9, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
DRIVING ON 4 LANE INTERSTAT IN CENTER LANE WHEN FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING AS CARS DOING IN EXCESS OF 65 MPH FLEW BY ME. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO ROLL INTO RIGHT LANE, THEN SHOLDER TO CALL AAA FOR A TOW. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THE CARS BEHIND WERE NOT OBSERVANT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10090726
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2004
Electrical System
PROBLEMS WITH ODOMETER ON 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL WORK. THE CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE DEALER HAD REPLACED ALL THE GAUGES IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DID NOT AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIR OTHER THAN THE RECALL REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE COM…
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PROBLEMS WITH ODOMETER ON 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL WORK. THE CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE DEALER HAD REPLACED ALL THE GAUGES IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DID NOT AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIR OTHER THAN THE RECALL REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE COMPONENT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY COULD START A FIRE. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY $500. FOR WORK HE DID NOT AUTHORIZE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10089734
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2004
EquipmentService Brakes, Air
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE CAR BEGINS TO JERK AND IT MAKES STOPPING DISTANCE EXTREMELY LONG.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10086832
14,000 miles · Jul 24, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKE ROTORS WILL RUST AND PIT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF RAIN OR IN VERY HUMID WEATHER IF CAR IS NOT USED TO RUB OFF RUST. PITTED ROTOR CAUSES HEAVY VIBRATION WHENEVER I APPLY THE BRAKE. TO CORRECT PROBLEM I MUST HAVE ROTORS RESURFACED OR REPLACED OFTEN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10082586
3,345 miles · Jul 7, 2004
Steering
WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED THERE WILL BE A CLANKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. CONSUMER CLAIMS THAT STEERING IS SOME TIMES LOOSE AT ANY SPEED. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND CLAIMED THAT A RACK AND PINION STEERING COLUMN WAS NEEDED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10081499
46,000 miles · Jul 1, 2004
Electrical System
AFTER RECALL#04V036000 WAS PERFORMED, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO START THE IGNITION. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10080284
Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2004
Electrical System
THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT REPAIRING THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION SYSTEM WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *LA THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST TO REPAIR. *SC *JB
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. THE FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, WHICH COULD INJURE OCCUPANTS OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO ADJOINING STRUCTURES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE ONLINE BY GOING TO WWW.MYGMLINK.COM AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
EA02028 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Sep 30, 2002 · Closed Dec 30, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
SQ01002 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Jan 26, 2001 · Closed Sep 30, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
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